Rutland County Council and Leicestershire Police are calling on drivers to watch their speed during the COVID-19 lockdown – both for their safety and the safety of other road users.

The Department for Transport data shows that motor vehicle use in Great Britain has fallen by two thirds over the past month. With this has come concerns that some motorists may be driving at unsafe speeds because roads are much quieter than normal.

Inspector Emma Spencer, from Leicestershire Police's Roads Policing Unit (RPU) said: "Our officers are maintaining a visible and proactive presence across our road network during the current pandemic.

"We would like to thank those who are continuing to drive with care. While the roads may be quieter than usual, all motorists should adhere to existing speed limits."

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Highways at Rutland County Council, said: "Our roads are considerably quieter at the moment because people are staying at home as part of the COVID-19 lockdown. This is to be expected. However, it is not an excuse to drive fast or in a way that might endanger others.

"There may be fewer vehicle journeys taking place but there are still cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and other road users to consider. If you break the speed limit you are putting other people's lives at risk – not just your own."

Councillor Stephenson added: "We have recently carried out surface dressing works at a number of locations around the county as part of our annual highway maintenance programme.

"This happens every year and temporary speed limits of 20mph are in place until week ending Friday 8 May. It's important that drivers adhere to the reduced speed limit on these sections of highway, until the warning signs have been removed."

Rutland County Council and Leicestershire Police are members of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, together with Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Highways England.

The partnership aims to reduce the number of people killed and injured on local roads through the provision of services for safety camera enforcement, as well as programmes of road safety education, training and promotion.

For more information, please visit: www.speedorsafety.com.